Retro Kolkata : Please Say something about you.
Ananya : I am an absolutely crazy person. I am mad over art and painting. I can paint for hours and get lost in the waves of emotion that it brings. I cannot be defined by any words, to understand me one has to understand my paintings. I express myself in the form of my paintings and as Lao Tzu quotes, knowing others is wisdom, but knowing yourself is enlightenment. For me painting is a process of knowing my own self.
Retro Kolkata : When did you first realize that you really loved drawing? Were there any instances that you can recall in particular that made you choose to concentrate on creating art?
Ananya : It was in 9th grade, although I remember being connected to art since the beginning of time. I discovered in 9th grade for the first time how fascinating it is that colours mix together to form a beautiful picture. How emotions flowed out of brush. I remember watching my art teacher holding a pen and drawing a wondrous landscape, there was a small lonely cottage amongst trees and a lonely person climbing up to the cottage. Nobody saw the landscape the way I did, watching him marvellously draw it brought tears to my eyes. For others it was just a drawing, for me it was the expression of a true artist.
Retro Kolkata : Has anybody guided you along your career path as an artist and if so who?
Ananya : Even if you hadn't mentioned this question, I would have talked about him some way or the other. I can never thank him enough for bringing me close to art. His name is Rajib Roy, he is an alumni of kala bhavan, Santiniketan and my art teacher of course. He possesses immense power and knowledge. Art comes naturally to him. I never told him this but every time I see him painting, it somehow brings tears to my eyes, such is the power of his brush strokes. The power of reaching someone's soul.
Retro Kolkata : Tell us about your work? What are you currently working on?
Ananya : I am still exploring art, I work versatile, I draw whatever I feel, paint using the references I find beautiful. I know I have been more inclined to realistic work lately, although I wish to create something purely from my heart. I am working on a big canvas right now and I am excited about it.
Retro Kolkata : What is your favourite medium to work in?
Ananya : There is no specific medium, but recently I have been working a lot with acrylic, moreover I am dying to try out oil painting.
Retro Kolkata : Who are some artists you admire?
Ananya : Rabindranath Tagore, Nandlal Bose, Jamini Roy, Raja Ravi Verma, Vincent Van Gogh, Rembrandt, J.M.W. Turner, Renoir, Claude Monet, Eduoard Manet.
Retro Kolkata : What subjects do you mostly like to draw and paint about and why?
Ananya : I like to paint Indian subjects, which have the essence of Indian culture to it. I usually paint any subject that particularly interests me and appeals to my eye.
Retro Kolkata : What goes through your mind while you draw, is there a calm silence, do you listen to music or do you experience doubt, fear or any emotions at all?
Ananya : I listen to music while I paint, It's never quiet. I am continuously thinking, feeling. Sometimes the emotions are tremendous and if I paint when I'm sad, it feels like a huge burden has been taken off my shoulders. When I'm painting, I am having an indescribable conversation with it. It's always talking to me, and my heart knows which way to go. This sounds like an illusionistic statement, but the painting always talks to my soul and only I can listen to the call. One thing is for sure, it's always peaceful in the end.
Retro Kolkata : Do you have any upcoming shows or exhibitions that you’ll be attending?
Ananya : I am actually not sure about that, I love to admire and appreciate art, but I currently don't have any plans as such. However, you never know where life takes you.
Retro Kolkata : Describe your dream project.
Ananya : As mentioned before, I want to paint something that comes purely from my heart, my emotions, it will be a huge painting. Right now, I don't have a clear picture as to what it will be, but it will be something very different to what I usually paint.
